We all have “I remember when” things we can say, that vary depending on our age, when it comes to historical events that we’ve experienced. The day Kennedy was shot, the first moon walk, personal computers become a household item, 9/11…history-making events and milestones are happening all the time. But not every generation can say they grew up amidst the worldwide excitement and hysteria over something creatively great, as it’s being created. For example, lots of people will continue to love the music of The Beatles, but only some can say they grew up looking forward to every Beatles record release or being one of the first in line at the record store to buy those releases, or saw the Beatles in person, “live in concert”. And many people will continue to love J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books and watch the movies on DVD, but only some will be able to say they were at the book store the day (or week) one of those books was released, and only some can say they got to look forward to, and experience, a new Harry Potter movie release almost every year. I’m so thankful my kids can count themselves in this latter group, and so glad to be a parent who has experienced it right along with them.
I mean, think about it—does phenomenal, ground-breaking creativity with massive appeal like this happen all that often? Yeah, in addition to the Beatles, there was Elvis, and there was Michael Jackson—but did any of their work cross generations (at the time) like Pottermania has? While kids grooved to the Fab Four, “The King of Rock ‘n Roll”, and Jacko, parents were not exactly thrilled…and though Star Trek and Star Wars has its following, I see more males into them than females, and more parents of boys than parents of girls.
But this is different. More adults and children, parents and grandparents, males and females, are Potter fans, often together enjoying the books and movies. (Yes, non-fans, they’re that good!) While our family is not what I’d call “fanatical”, we are fans. Emmie once dressed as Hermione for Halloween, and when she was 8 years old, she carefully wrote a letter to Emma Watson in England (who portrays Hermione in the movies), and heard back from her about six months later (the letter included two autographed photos!). My teen read every book, and introduced us to “Potter Puppet Pals” and “A Very Potter Musical” on YouTube. We’ve all enjoyed family outings to see the movies when they’re released. And we will never forget our day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Florida last fall, where all of us, including our exchange student, tasted “butter beer” (it’s like cream soda, Dr. Pepper and whipped cream mixed together) and walked the halls of Hogwarts. (“Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”, a “ride” inside the castle, is hands-down the best theme park attraction I’ve ever experienced—talk about overwhelming, profound joy! And I’m usually a wimp when it comes to rides!)
My teen is attending her first (and unfortunately, the last) midnight Harry Potter premiere tomorrow night and has been deep in thought lately, trying to figure out a costume to wear. While I’ll be passing on that experience, I know it will be electric to get that first glimpse among so many die-hard fans. “I think I’m going to cry when the credits roll at the end,” she said. I can understand. But again, I can also thank God my kids had the privilege of being kids during the era of Potter. What fun!!! What great stories they can tell their own children some day!! There may be more dangers in the world now than when John, Paul, George and Ringo hit the stage, but maybe this generation will be inspired to eliminate those dangers thanks to the courage, ethics and love shown by Harry, Hermione and Ron.
